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2009 Mercury Mariner Preview – 2008 Chicago Auto Show: It’s like that party Uncle Bert had when you graduated from beauty school. Sure, not a lot of people came or seemed to care, but those who did will get free haircuts forever! For those who were there to see the recently announced upgrades to the Mercury Mariner, they may not get free haircuts…but they did get to be the first to know about Mercury’s powertrain upgrades and new capless fueling system. The important thing, of course, is the power upgrade: 30 more horsepower (to 230) from the V-6, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 170 horsepower. Mercury also upgraded the transmission from four to six-speeds. Other changes included some slight mods to the front fascia. Now all they have to do is fix that interior, and who knows? Perhaps the Mariner and its Ford Escape twin will flee the doldrums of slow sales and consumer neglect.

• Learn more about the 2009 Mercury Mariner